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Plans for a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU have cleared their first hurdle in the Commons by 283 to 0, majority 283.

The Conservatives turned out in force to ensure the European Union (Referendum) Bill won a second reading - for the second time, after an identical backbench Bill failed in the Lords earlier this year despite being agreed by MPs.

Bob Neill, MP for Bromley and Chislehurst, moved the Private Member's Bill and saw it agreed by the massive majority after the Tories staged a division by calling both aye and no.

The Bill, which is opposed by Labour and the Liberal Democrats, faces a tough legislative timetable to make it to the statute book.

Speaking during the Commons debate on the Bill, Mr Neill said: "This Bill is about choice - it's about giving the British people a choice about something which is fundamental to our constitutional arrangements and it is fundamental to our future.

"That choice is important because the future of the arrangements with our neighbours require legitimacy and require consent. It is some 40 years since that consent was last sought - much has changed since and it is fair and reasonable for people to be given that choice again.

"It is about trust, it's about trust in this House and it is about trust in our democratic institutions. It is also, I suggest, a time to put up or shut up. If there are people here who do not believe the British people should be given that choice, then now is the time for them to say so."

He was backed by Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, who told the Commons: "This is surely the most important strategic question facing this country today - the future of our relationship with the European Union.

"And it is a question on which we should trust the instincts of the British people."

Mr Hammond added: "The ultimate decision of whether to leave or whether to stay should be for the British people.

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'Put up or shut up' on referendum